Orissa bans use of recycled polythene

Bhubaneswar, May 13 (IANS) Orissa has banned the use of recycled polythene of less than 20 microns thickness following a court order as reports said its rampant use was polluting drinking water sources and blocking drains and canals, officials said Tuesday. The state government Monday ordered collectors of all 30 districts to implement the ban, a senior official of the industry department said.

Manufacture, import, storage or use of recycled polythene is now banned in the state, he said.

On April 24, the Orissa High Court had asked the state to issue a ban order to be effective from May 1. It had also asked the government to ensure effective implementation of the order and file compliance reports by May 15.

Several states have already banned the use of recycled polythene of less than 20 microns. Six years ago, Orissa banned its use at four major tourist attractions.

Recycled polythene, which is non-biodegradable, was used in the state mainly as carry bags.